Learn about palms!

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Weekly News   

February 21, 2025
   
This Weekend!


Gardening Class: Palm Reading
February 22, 10 a.m.
 

Get the tools to guide your selection of appropriate palm
species for your garden or yard; the physiology of palms,
their unique care, and what you need to know to maintain
them at their beautiful best! This class will also include a
tour of Edison’s extensive palm collection. Participants
will each receive a copy of the teaching materials cover-
ed in class, as well as a 20% discount coupon good to-
ward plants in our Garden Shoppe. Registration is requir-
ed and class size is limited. Click here to register online! 
Class will be held at the Fort Myers-Lee County Garden
Council building on Larchmont Avenue (across from the
Estates’ overflow parking lots). 

Edison Ford members: $45, non-members: $60


Silk Scarf Painting Class
February 23, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.


If you need some time to relax and unwind, join us for a
silk scarf painting class with artist Marie Dyer surround-
ed by Edison’s gardens. She will show you techniques
and guide you as you create a truly original piece of art. 
You will leave the class with a silk scarf that can be worn
or hung as a piece of artwork. All materials are included
in the fee.

No experience is required. Space is limited; click here to
register!

Members: $90, non-members: $100    

Upcoming Events


Rhythm on the River – The Collaboration Band!
February 28, 6:30 p.m.


The Collaboration Band is an extraordinary gathering
of veteran musicians dedicated to the authentic play-
ing of soul, R & B, and Motown music. Each member
has years of experience; Ms. Verceal Whitaker is the
former lead vocalist of the Platters, Willie Miller plays
the drums and provides lead and background vocals,
on guitar and vocals is Steve LaValley, Joshua Town-
send adds keyboards and vocals, and Alonzo Smith
(aka Zo) provides vocals and the funky bottom. Come
feel the music with us! Bring your favorite lawn chair
and a sweater if the weather is chilly. Food trucks will
be on site. No coolers or picnic baskets are permitted.
Concert begins at 6:30 p.m., doors open at 6:00 p.m.
Parking is in Edison Ford lots only and is free for
attendees.

Tickets:
VIP tables (up to five people):
$275 (table and chairs provided)

Members individual admission:
$30, non-member admission $35. 

Advance ticket purchase recommended. Tickets may
be available at the door but there are no guarantees.
Click here, and then click on the events link to purchase.


Baseball Presentation: Fort Myers Spring Training History
February 28, 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
 

In celebration of 100 years since spring training began in Fort Myers,
join Museum Manager Holly Shaffer for two presentations in the mu-
seum on Fort Myers spring training history.

At 11:00 a.m. she will speak on the Philadelphia Athletics and their
spring training history in Fort Myers.

At 2:00 p.m. she will present an overview of the 100 years since
spring training began in Fort Myers.

The presentations are included with the price of admission, and free
for Edison Ford members.
   
Just for Kids 


Homeschool Classes at Edison Ford
Marvels -Panama Canal
March 5 & 13: grades 1-3
March 6 & 12: grades 4-6

 
Students will learn about the engineering and construction of the
Panama Canal with the “Lego Maze Water Test Challenge!” This
involves creating a maze that allows water to flow through it,
simulating the locks of the canal. This activity helps students un-
derstand the engineering challenges of waterway construction
and the importance of effective water management. The class is
designed to facilitate homeschool learning for grades 1-6. Home-
school classes at Edison Ford are aligned with Next Generation
Science and Florida State Standards. Classes are a combination
of instruction and hands on activities that are designed to facili-
tate homeschool or virtual science education. Click here to
register online. 

Edison Ford members: $15; non-members: $25


Etiquette Class 
March 08,  11 a.m. (SOLD OUT)


Offered several times each season, Etiquette classes are for children
ages 6-12. These classes are two-hour sessions in good manners and
teach proper introduction, handshakes and dining etiquette during a
three-course meal. Each student will receive a workbook and certif-
icate of completion. All classes run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Parents
should plan to drop children off for the class.

Dates:
Saturday, March 8, 2025 (SOLD OUT)
Saturday, May 17, 2025

Cost: members $85; non-members $95 per class

Click here to register, then select the Children’s Program Registration
dropdown.


Future Makers Spring Break Camp
March 17-21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
 

Join us as science and history come alive in our “living laboratory!” No ex-
perience is necessary to participate in these fun and fast-moving S.T.E.A.M.
(science, technology, engineering, art, and math) camps. For students current-
ly in grades K-5, unless otherwise noted. Campers must bring lunches, and
snacks if desired. Become a family member of Edison Ford and receive dis-
counted registration!

Campers release their full potential in this project-based camp, getting a crash
course in code, electronics, and robotics. The camp then focuses on open-end-
ed projects as the campers apply what they learn.

For more information on camps, click here.
   
Adult Education


Garden Talk- Dracaenas/Sanseverias
March 8, 10 a.m.

 
Did you know that the Estates has a Sanseveria garden? We’ll look
beyond the invasive “Mother-in-Law’s tongue” plant to dozens of
other species and learn what makes these easy-care plants so coll-
ectible. 

Garden Talk participants will receive a coupon for 20% off plant
purchases in the Garden Shoppe. Guests should wear comfortable
shoes, sunscreen and a hat, and bring drinking water. Purchase
tickets for each talk at the ticket counter.

Members: $15; non-members: $20


Tropical Floral Arrangement Class
March 09, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

 
Whether you’re a seasoned florist or just discovering your green
thumb, this workshop is perfect for all skill levels. We’ll provide
all the necessary materials, including a wide selection of tropical
foliage and containers. But here’s the exciting part – you’re also
invited to bring your own tropical foliage from your garden! In-
corporate your personal touch into your arrangement and make it
truly unique. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn the art of
tropical floral arrangement.

Members: $75, non-members: $85

Space is limited and registration is required. Click here to register!  

Become a MEMBER and get unlimited free visits, discounts
on purchases in the Garden Shoppe, retail stores, special events
and adult education classes!  

Join today!    

Ongoing Programs 


Piano Performance POSTPONED
Edison Guest House
 
Timeless beauty resides where classical music is performed by 
Curatorial Registrar, Chet, on Mina Edison’s 1932 George Steck
piano in the guest house. We plan to bring this program back in
March.


Step into History Presentations 
Tuesdays and Thursdays
11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

 
Learn about subjects related to Edison and Ford with Site Historians.
This program is held in the 15,000-square-foot museum. Included
with admission.   


Yoga 
Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m.  

Class will be held in the River Pavilion (weather permitting). All skill
levels are welcome. This class is taught by Bonnie D’Angelo, a certi-
fied yoga instructor.
 
Edison Ford members: $15; non-members: $20 per class. Tickets may
be purchased online or at the ticket counter. Bring a yoga mat, water,
and towel. Admission to the site is not included.   

Help restore our beautiful gardens. Donate today!

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2350 McGregor Blvd
Fort Myers, FL 33901

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